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The Best Walt Disney World Table Service Restaurants for Kids

While we love Walt Disney World’s character meals and buffets, sometimes we just want a nice sit down meal as a family. These are the best table service options that will please both kids and grown ups.

Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Green Loop. Today we are sharing dining tips for your Disney vacation.


Best Walt Disney World Table Service Restaurants for Kids

As frequent Walt Disney World guests, we have dined at a number of restaurants. When our kids were little, we loved going to character meals and buffets. Those types of restaurants kept the kids happy and engaged. It wasn’t so much about the food, but rather the character interactions and variety of offerings for the kids. Now that our kids are getting older, there are times when we want a nice relaxing meal with good food and minimal interruptions.

When considering booking a reservation at a table service restaurant with kids, there are a few things to consider. While Disney has a wide range of table service restaurants, some are better than others when it comes to kid-friendliness. Atmosphere plays a huge role in how we choose our dining. It shouldn’t be too quiet where you’re constantly asking your kids to stop talking. Also, depending on your kids, you probably won’t want to choose a restaurant that is super foodie. Disney does go out of its way to accommodate kids, but some restaurant’s menus are a little too adventurous for even the best eaters. Lastly, without characters to entertain the kids, the restaurant’s fun-factor needs to be turned up. There has to be something special that is going to hook the kids and make up for the missing character dining time.

When compiling this list I kept those ideas in mind. Each of these restaurants has a kid-friendly atmosphere, great food and something special for the little ones. Plus, parents will enjoy dining there just as much as their kids.

Via Napoli

3 brick ovens in Via Napoli Restaurant

Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion is a family favorite. It is home to the best pizza in Walt Disney World. Even if your kids don’t like pizza (like my son), their kids menu includes meatballs and pasta. The hustle and bustle of the restaurant will drown out the sound of even the noisiest of diners. Kids will enjoy seeing the wood burning ovens, Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli, in their open air kitchen.

Teppan Edo

A meal at Teppan Edo is not just a meal, it’s a show. The hibachi restaurant located in Epcot’s Japan pavilion will be sure to wow kids and adults alike. Chefs amaze guests with their tricks as they prepare your food right in front of you. Kids get to choose from chicken, steak or shrimp as their meal. Another cool feature for kids is being able to try out using chopsticks.

Coral Reef

Dining at Epcot’s Coral Reef is like dining under the sea. Nestled in the back corner of The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Coral Reef offers both great food and amazing atmosphere. What’s better than dining in the same room as a giant coral reef? Don’t hesitate to ask your hostess for a table right by the aquarium. Even if that doesn’t work out, excellent views can be had all around the restaurant. Kids will receive a souvenir fish guide.

Sanaa

Sanaa, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village), is a hidden Walt Disney World gem! Don’t let the African and Indian fusion themed menu deter you. Sanaa has something for everyone. The whole family will enjoy their Indian bread service appetizer. Kids will love dipping their bread into the 9 different sauces. Who knows which flavors they’ll discover? Sanaa’s “Cookies and Milk” dessert lets kids decorate their own cookie. But the biggest draw is dining with views of the animals on the Sunset Savannah.

Be Our Guest

There’s more than one castle to eat at in the Magic Kingdom. Be Our Guest is a sought after reservation and for good reason. The opportunity to dine in the Beast’s Castle is like stepping into the movie. Dinner is like a character meal but not. Your family will be able to have a leisurely meal, but still have the chance to greet the Beast after  you are done dining. Although there isn’t any chicken nuggets on the menu, there is macaroni and cheese and grilled chicken skewers. Parents will love their French inspired menu and extensive wine list.

Dining with kids doesn’t have to be character meals and buffets all the time. There are plenty of great table service dining options at Walt Disney World to satisfy any family. Which one is your favorite?

For more Disney dining suggestions,
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!

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PegP

Saturday 3rd of February 2018

Via Napoli was the WORST restaurant we've ever had the misfortune to make a reservation at of all the Disney restaurants at any park, resort, or Disney Springs! No, the noise is NOT drowned out! It was THE loudest place I've ever been. My poor child (10 years old) was covering her ears with her hands and complaining that the noise was so loud it was hurting her ears. We couldn't even hear the woman who sat us at our table, it was so bad.

We were going to ask for a table outside to get away from the noise, but our server never came to take our drink order, so we left without ordering. No sense eating with a child that's crying because she's in pain.

Never again!

Lisa Cameron

Sunday 4th of February 2018

I'm sorry you had a less than magical experience. The beauty of Disney is that there are so many restaurants, you'll be able to find the one that has the right atmosphere and cuisine for you. We've experienced places that were not for us either. I think you misunderstood what I said about the noise though. I agree,Via Napoli is definitely a noisy restaurant. But, because of that I felt ok bringing my toddler there because if they acted up, no one would hear them. Again, I'm sorry you didn't have a great experience.

Didi Marie

Tuesday 25th of April 2017

You had me at that photo of your daughter and the pizza at Via Napoli! Yes, it's all about the total "dining experience" for little ones; perhaps that means distraction at most restaurants, but at Disney parks it means storytelling and immersion. Your pics are perfect for just that!!

Becky @ Disney in your Day

Thursday 13th of April 2017

I love that you featured kid-friendly spots that aren't just character meals! Sanaa is a great choice, watching the animals while you eat is so cool!

Best Disney Restaurants - The Blogorail

Thursday 13th of April 2017

[…] Best Walt Disney World Table Service Restaurants for Kids with Adventures in Familyhood […]

The Mousekatools Mom

Wednesday 12th of April 2017

I'm happy to say that while we've only eaten at one of these restaurants before (Sanaa,) three of the other restaurants are currently booked for our next trip to Walt Disney World! So glad to hear that they're great for kids!!! Awesome post...that made me really really excited for all the food we'll be eating in 6 months! lol

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